Wednesday, August 31, 2011

SIA Newsletter 8/31/11 (3) - Nightmare in Strathmere This Saturday!

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


Nightmare in Strathmere, postponed because of Irene, will be held this Saturday night, September 3. Nightmare is always one of the biggest events of the Strathmere Summer.

The origins are somewhat lost in the mists of time, but in the early 1980's, a group from the Fishing Club were sitting around a watering spot discussing summers in Strathmere, and one suggested holding a boat parade. Another said, "Well, that would be a real nightmare", and so a legend was born. The name has nothing to do with the boat parade held by our neighbors to the north.

Times have changed but Nightmare is still just as much fun. It is not limited to boaters or houses on the bay - houses off the bay are urged to decorate and compete for a prize in their category!

So whether it's your boat, your dock or your home, you, too can come up with a decorating scheme and have a barrel of fun doing it!

There is no cost to enter, and everyone who does will receive a commemorative mug. Register and join the fun!
Nightmare is (still) run by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC), and by selling tee shirts and raffle tickets, it has become their biggest fundraiser of the year.



Here is the Nightmare Schedule:
*All week - Raffle Tickets available at Frank's Boats ($10 for ten tickets - prizes: 1st: $1000; 2nd: $300; 3rd: $200)
*Friday: Tee shirts (check out the missing bridge railing) for sale at Hollingers' - Bayview at Putnam...
*Friday, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm - Registration  at former Corson's Marina - Bayview at Putnam
*Saturday, Noon until 5:00 (or so) - Tee shirts and Raffle Tickets for sale at tent in front of Twisties (turn in your raffle stubs)
*Saturday, 6:00 pm: Boats assemble in bay opposite boat ramp.
*Saturday, 6:30 pm - Boat Parade begins opposite Boat Ramp and continues under bridge (two cycles)
*Saturday, 9:00 pm - Deauville Beach Bar - Award presentations and Raffle Drawings


Even if you don't enter, come to a street end, the playground, Twisties, the Deauville or a friend's house on the bay and watch the parade!



Join us!!!

The Strathmere Improvement Association




SIA Newsletter 8 31 2011 (1) - Kids' Surf Tournament Saturday Morning!

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


The SFEC will be holding both the Kids' Surf tournament Saturday Morning and the Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade Saturday evening. This newsletter focuses on the tournament.

This time last year, Tropical Storm "Earl" forced the postponement of the tournament from Saturday to Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. With Irene in our rear view mirror (unless you're somewhere affected by the terrible stream and river flooding), this year we're back to Saturday.

Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament - On Saturday morning, September 3, the SFEC will sponsor this tournament for all children 17 and under. Have your children or grandchildren bring their rod, reel and tackle (pyramid weights only, please) to the Prescott Street Beach (free parking at Mildred's). Registration begins at 7:30 am; fishing from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All registered children will receive bait, tee shirt (while supplies last), hot dog and soda or water, and there will be numerous prizes. Please note that an adult must accompany children under 12 years old.

If you have no family to enter, come out and watch! You'll have fun watching 150 (or more) kids surf fish!





Our thanks to all who have paid their SIA Dues ($10 annually per adult). If you have been meaning to send them in - here's your chance!


You can contact us by responding to this e-mail (sia6@comcast.net) or by mailing the SIA at P.O. Box 57 in Strathmere.



Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strahmere Improvement Association




SIA Newsletter 8/30/11 (2) - Obituary for Jim Garoh

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,



Many people in Strathmere knew Jim Garoh, who passed away Saturday morning in his hometown of Springfield, Pennsylvania. He had a house at 10 West Sumner Road. His sister is Peg Mueller who lives on the bay with her husband Bob at 412 Bayview Drive. He was a fantastic guy and a Strathmere historian of sorts.

The family has requested donations in his name to the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company


His obituary from yesterday's Inquirer -
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=james-c-garoh&pid=153359554


JAMES C. JR. on August 27, 2011 of Springfield PA. Beloved husband of the late Barbara J. (nee Reid) Garoh. Devoted father of Donna J. (David) Fulton, Suzanne M. (Bob) Kubiak, James C. (Heather) Garoh III and William D. (Jessica) Garoh. Loving grand-father of 7 grandchildren. Brother of Margaret "Peggy" Mueller.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Thursday 9 A.M. O'LEARY FUNERAL HOME, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA and to his Viewing Wednesday Eve. after 6:30 P.M. Funeral Mass Thursday 10 A.M., Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Saxer Ave., Springfield, PA 19064. Interment private.

Contributions to the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Co., 5 S. Commonwealth Ave., Strathmere, NJ 08248.



The Strathmere Improvement Association -


Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary






Tuesday, August 30, 2011

SIA Newsletter 8/30/11 - Fire Company Bar-B-Que Tomorrow Night

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


We believe that the SFEC will have two events on Saturday: the Kids' Surf Tournament and the Nightmare Boat Parade. We have not as yet received confirmation on these from the SFEC Board. As soon as we do, we'll let you know.

In the meantime, tomorrow night (Wednesday) from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their "First Annual Bar-B-Que Fundraiser" at the Deauville Beach House. Remember, when the firefighters elected to stay in town to look after Strathmere, Irene was expected to be far worse than it turned out! If you are in town, please honor them by coming out tomorrow night - and pay special attention to their current request for donations.

Here is the flyer, and it looks like great fun - including the Bubba Mac Band. Tickets will be available at the door.



 
 
 
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.




The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary



Sunday, August 28, 2011

Strathmere is looking good after Irene

We just came from Strathmere. All roads into Strathmere are open. Sea Isle City still has the usual flooding on Landis heading to Strathmere, so you might want to head in through Ocean City. The rest of Landis/Commonwealth was dry except for puddles along the side of the road. There was water in the road on Seacliff/Bayview from the plugged drainage pipe that is suppose to empty the street. A crew was just arriving to dig out the pipe.
It was low tide so there minimal water on Bayview at the time we were there.

Other than some tossed trash cans our house looks fine, no damage, a little water under the house, which is usual during a big storm. During our pass through town we didn't see any major damage to any houses, and no trees down.

Whale Beach looked good too. The dunes are still standing, the ocean did not come over them. The road wasn't flooded - not even the spot at Dolphin Beach which usually floods. I'm sure there's some erosion out on the beaches, I didn't check them.
The Trailer Park looked good. It doesn't look like many people took down their porches, but they were fine. The road in front of the Trailers that usually floods was not flooded when we drove through.


She's a little roughed up, but Strathmere is looking good.  I took my camera with me, but there wasn't really anything to take photos of!

If you are a renter, I would wait until Monday to head to the Shore, give the homeowners time to go check out the properties first.



SIA Newsletter 8/28/11 - Irene Impact on Strathmere

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


Pasted below are messages from Dick Omrod passing on information from Fire Chief Bruce Riordan and others who remained at the Firehouse through the storm.
Sounds good!
We are using a borrowed computer and not able to be very "clever" with this Newsletter....

KW


****************************************************

From: "Dick Omrod"
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011 9:06:14 AM

Subject: Irene

Final Irene Report
Irene passed through in the early morning with minimum or no real damage. Some beach erosion and the electric remained on. We lucked out!


The Chief reported the roads to the island are open but the main arteries to the shore remain closed at this time. Be certain to fill up with gas as most of the stations near the shore are either closed or out of gas.


**************************

Sent last night...
From: "Dick Omrod"
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 8:59:14 PM

Subject: Irene


Irene Update:
The latest report from the firehouse.
At 8:30 PM Strathmere & Whale Beach have experienced heavy rain, almost all of Commonwealth below the blinker is under water as is all of South Bayview. No evidence of wind damage at this time.
Irene is moving faster than earlier forecast and is expected to pass east of the town at about 2:00 AM Sunday. Most of the heavy weather should be pass us by noon on Sunday.

The Strathmere Improvement Association -


Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary



Friday, August 26, 2011

SIA Newsletter 8/26/11 (1) - Irene Track Moves Offshore

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


The 5:00 am advisory this morning moves Irene off the coast as it goes by us...

Here is a summary of the latest (pdf) Irene Impact Statement (attached). It is somewhat better than last night's with lower wind speeds, but the storm will be earlier, so we're back to the major impact occurring near Sunday morning's high tide:

"Strathmere and Sea Isle City, NJ are expected to receive a significant impact from Hurricane IRENE.
Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 3 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around midnight and Northeasterly hurricane force winds arriving near 3 AM Sunday. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 6 AM when top sustained winds, from the North, could reach 88 MPH with gusts near 111 MPH. Winds should decrease below hurricane force shortly thereafter.
Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 1 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.
"Wind damage from Hurricane IRENE could include broken glass in doors and windows. Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roofing material.

It may also include collapse of chimney, garage doors and damage to porches and/or carports.
"The total rainfall for the Sea Isle City / Strathmere area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 10.4 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict."

Strathmere and all of Cape May County are now under a mandatory evacuation order.
We are leaving this morning, so this will probably be our last update.



Stay safe!

The Strathmere Improvement Association



SIA Newsletter 8/25/11 (2) - Irene Track Moves Somewhat Inland

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


The 5:00 pm advisory this evening shows Irene tracking inland (below) as it goes north of Cape May. We'll see how this forecast holds up...

Here is a summary of the latest (pdf) Irene Impact Statement (attached). It is somewhat better (not quite as disastrous) as the one from 11:00 am today:

"We are expected to receive a significant impact from Hurricane IRENE. Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 6 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around 3 AM Sunday and Easterly hurricane force winds arriving near 6 AM. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 10 AM Sunday when top sustained winds, from the Southeast, could reach 90 MPH with gusts near 112 MPH. Winds should decrease below hurricane force 4 hours later. Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 6 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.

"Wind damage from Hurricane IRENE could include broken glass in doors and windows. Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roofing material.
"It may also include collapse of chimney, garage doors and damage to porches and/or carports.
"The total rainfall for the Sea Isle City / Strathmere area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 8.5 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict."

As you have no doubt heard, Strathmere and the other barrier islands are currently under a mandatory evacuation order, which will be extended to all of Cape May County tomorrow.

Stay safe!



Thursday, August 25, 2011

SIA Newsletter 8/25/11 (1) - Nightmare in Strathmere Postponed - Forecast Worsens!

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


As must be painfully obvious, there will be no "Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade this Saturday.
Mother Nature has decided to have one of her own!
We wanted to let you know sooner, but the sponsoring Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club has not yet made up their mind regarding another date (probably one of the next two Saturdays). They will decide tomorrow.

Virtually everyone who would have had a boat in the parade is pulling their boat out of the water, and as the forecast track for Irene wobbles east and west, we would not be surprised to see a mandatory evacuation called by Saturday.
We (the Weavers) plan to leave Saturday around low tide (1:00 pm) for daughter Holly's home in Wilmington, Delaware. We hope the house will be fine, but we want to get the cars off our low-lying island...

The storm looks like it will hit us even harder than previously forecast. The 11:00 am advisory this morning from Upper Township for Strathmere and Sea Isle (see attached) said,

"Sea Isle City, NJ is expected to receive a major impact from Hurricane IRENE. Easterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 7 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around 7 AM Sunday and Easterly hurricane force winds arriving near 9 AM. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 11 AM when top sustained winds, from the East, could reach 98 MPH with gusts near 122 MPH. Winds should decrease below hurricane force 3 hours later.
"Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 7 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter. Wind damage from Hurricane IRENE could be significant with a few homes being shifted off of their foundation and large section of roof removed. It will also likely include collapse of chimneys, garage doors and loss of porches and/or carports.
"The total rainfall for the area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 8.5 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict."



Note that the peak for us is later on Sunday than previously forecast (more toward low tide than the morning high tide), but the winds are projected to be much higher because of a somewhat more westerly track. The New Moon is Sunday, and the forecast high tide at Corson's Inlet (under normal conditions) is at 8:05 pm (5.5 feet). If the winds (above) don't let the water out on Sunday, that could be a very, very high tide Sunday evening!
The latest track forecast is shown below.
This storm looks eerily like the September, 1944 Great Northeast Hurricane that did so much damage to Strathmere...


We'll continue to keep you posted...







Once again, stay tuned and prepare for the worst!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary



SIA Newsletter 8/24/11 (2) - Irene Track Is Wobbling East and West - Keep Watching Closely

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,
The tracking forecasts for Irene as of 8:00 pm this evening show it closest to the South Jersey coast around 6:00 am to 8:00 am Sunday morning (high tide here Sunday morning is at 7:48 - the New Moon is Sunday night).

Here is what's expected for us:

Sandy Hook to Cape May, N.J.
The eye wall of Irene will pass just offshore Sunday morning. Weather conditions will deteriorate Saturday into Saturday evening with wind and rain increasing. Periods of heavy rain, damaging sustained tropical storm-force winds with hurricane-force wind gusts (75 mph) and coastal flooding are possible Saturday night and Sunday. Expect significant beach erosion with a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet.
Below is a representation of what's expected at 6:00 am Sunday:

 
 
Below is a forecast of the impact on Sea Isle City (basically the same as Strathmere). It says that Northeasterly gale force winds should start affecting our area on Saturday, August 27th by 11 PM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane Irene should occur near 8 AM Sunday when top sustained winds, from the North, could reach 57 MPH with gusts near 72 MPH. Winds are not expected to decrease below gale force until eight hours later (4:00 pm Sunday afternoon).


Northeasterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Saturday, August 27th at 11 PM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Hurricane IRENE should occur near 8 AM when top sustained winds, from the North, could reach 57 MPH with gusts near 72 MPH. Winds should decrease below gale force 8 hours later.
Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 4 PM and generally be from the North during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter.
Some minor residential wind damage may occur from Hurricane IRENE in Sea Isle City.
The total rainfall for the Sea Isle City area over the next 3 days is forecast to be 3.8 inches. This can vary significantly as tropical storm and hurricane rainfall is very difficult to predict.
 
 
 
Once again, stay tuned and prepare for the worst!


The Strathmere Improvement Association -


Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary





Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Children's Summer Reading program rewards


Hi everyone,


It's been a wonderful, busy summer.We've had lots of children reading books for fun this summer as part of our children's summer reading program. As a reward - everyone who read a book and filled out an ice cream cone gets a certificate for an ice cream treat. These can be redeemed at the "Old Shack" which will be open until the end of September (on weekends in September).

These children are eligible: Ciana, Alex, Jack, Jillian, Colten, Jordyn, Ava, Ellie, Sophie, Julia, Matthew G., Bella and Abby.
Also, Ava is the winner of a Schiavo Library t-shirt for reading the most books!


Please stop in the library any time and pick up your certificates.



Thanks for participating,
Christine Rohrman
Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/




SIA Newsletter 8/24/11 - Irene Track Shifts East - Keep Watching Closely

To All Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


Last night's track showed a direct hit on Cape May County on Sunday.
As hoped, this morning's forecasted track has it shifting to the east, passing some 75 miles off our coast.
Weather forecasts for Saturday evening are not great, so Nightmare is still threatened. Hopefully forecasts will improve.

Stay tuned!

 
 

SIA Newsletter 8 23 11 - Start Planning Precautions for Hurricane Irene!

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


We don't want to alarm anyone unnecessarily, but Hurricane Irene is now forecasted to strike our area on Sunday afternoon!
The forecast track has been constantly changing, more and more to the east, so hopefully this trend will continue and Irene will pass us well offshore.
On the other hand, it's well to be prepared so you should start doing some planning in case the worst occurs.

Here is a CNN article advising people on the East coast to take preparations,

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/08/23/tropical.weather/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn


and here is the forecast track as of this afternoon, showing the storm "kissing" (violently) North Carolina on Saturday and getting here on Sunday:

 
 
We suggest you follow this storm very carefully and begin thinking about precautions to secure your property, including boats, etc.
Thanks to all for your continuing support!

The Strathmere Improvement Association -
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary





Monday, August 22, 2011

This Saturday night, August 27, will see one of the biggest events of the Strathmere Summer - Nightmare in Strathmere!

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,


This Saturday night, August 27, will see one of the biggest events of the Strathmere Summer - Nightmare in Strathmere!

The origins are somewhat lost in the mists of time, but sometime in the early 1980's, a group from the Fishing Club were sitting around a watering spot discussing summers in Strathmere, and one suggested holding a boat parade. Another said, "Well, that would be a real nightmare", and so a legend was born. The name has nothing to do with the boat parade held by our neighbors to the north.

Here is a picture of the winning (ghostly - ghastly?) entry in 1985

The caption reads, "1st Place, 1985 - Johnson & Doberstein - 1210 Bayview Drive.




Times have changed but Nightmare is still just as much fun. It is not limited to boaters or houses on the bay - houses off the bay are urged to decorate and compete for a prize in their category!

Here is a recent great off-the bay entry entitled, "Real Housewives of Strathmere":


 
 
So whether, it's your boat, your dock or your home, you, too can come up with a decorating scheme and have a barrel of fun doing it!

There is no cost to enter, and everyone who does will receive a commemorative mug. Register and join the fun!
Nightmare is (still) run by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC), and by selling tee shirts and raffle tickets, it has become their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Here is the Nightmare Schedule:

*All week: Tee shirts for sale at Hollingers' - Bayview at Putnam (check out the missing bridge railing)...

*All week - Raffle Tickets available at Frank's Boats ($10 for ten tickets - prizes: 1st: $1000; 2nd: $300; 3rd: $200)

*Friday, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm - Registration at former Corson's Marina - Bayview at Putnam

*Saturday, Noon until 5:00 (or so) - Tee shirts and Raffle Tickets for sale at tent in front of Twisties (turn in your raffle stubs)

*Saturday, 6:00 pm: Boats assemble in bay opposite boat ramp.

*Saturday, 6:30 pm - Boat Parade begins opposite Boat Ramp and continues under bridge (two cycles)

*Saturday, 9:00 pm - Deauville Beach Bar - Award presentations and Raffle Drawings


Even if you don't enter, come to a street end, the playground, Twisties, the Deauville or a friend's house on the bay and watch the parade!



            *********************************************************


Upcoming Events - Update Your Calendar!


*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27 - get your boat and house themes ready!

*Strathmere Fire Company Benefit BBQ at the Deauville Beach House w/ Bubba Mac Band, Wednesday, August 31, 6 to 10 PM.

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.



Did you make your dues payment yet? Our thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.


You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net  or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.



Thanks to all for your continuing support!

Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary





Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Help promote the Ocean Kayak Festival with Channel 6 News on the beach this Thursday

Strathmere Weather on the News



Channel 6 News is helping the Beach Patrol promote its Ocean Kayak Festival during live weather broadcasts on the beach this Thursday the 11th from 3:30 to 6:30. Their largest segment will be for the 6:00 news.
They told us it would be extra special for them if we could assemble a large crowd of people on the beach at Vincent St. to be part of the broadcast.
Please pass the word. This should be a lot of fun, so if you’re available and want to be seen on TV and wave to your friends back home, please come out and join us.


Thanks,

Beach Patrol

 
 

Sunday, August 07, 2011

SIA Newsletter 8/6/11 - Busy Week Coming Up!

To all Strathmere and Whale Beach Homeowners and Visitors,

This Friday night, the SIA will hold its August meeting at 8:00 pm. We will be awarding Savings Bonds to Strathmere Honor Roll students, and then we will have a State Trooper from the Woodbine State Police Barracks explain the responsibilities and functions of the troop and then answer your questions. You'll find that quite interesting. It's also our election meeting, and following the formal meeting we'll have a "Jersey Fresh" session. Please bring your best "Jersey Fresh" delight for all to taste!



**********************************


On Thursday evening, August 11, from 7:00 to 8:00, the Schiavo Library will host a program by the Wetlands Institute called "Sea Creatures", sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club. This will be the third year for a Wetlands presentation at the Library and they have proven to be great fun for children and adults alike. Here are pictures from last year:




Bring your folding chair...

******************************


On Saturday, August 13, the Life Guards will hold their annual Kayak Festival. This is their biggest fund raiser of the year, and again is great fun for all. Here are pictures from last year's races:





*************************

On Sunday, August 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company will hold their "Safety in Strathmere" Day (formerly called Fire Prevention Day).

As in previous years, there will be lots of fun things for children and adults, including a face painter, photo opportunities in actual fire trucks, photo opportunities in cut outs of firemen and fire trucks, hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream. On the serious side, there will be many fire and safety give aways, tips on fire prevention and safety in Strathmere, displays by the Coast Guard Auxillary for boating safety and the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club for fishing tips and safety. Last year's fun looked like this:







**********************

On Friday, July 29, the SIA held a "Sock Hop" at the Firehouse! Brandis and Jorge Riba operate their own dance studio in Clark, New Jersey, where they provide basic lessons and also choreography for wedding parties, and they donated their time here to Strathmere. The Hop was very well attended, and everyone had a great time.
Showing how it's done...



We hope to do it again next year!


******************************************



Upcoming Events - Update Your Calendar!

*Wetlands Institute Program at Schiavo Library Thursday, August 11, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

*SIA Meeting Friday, August 12, 8:00 pm - Fruit Festival! Bring your favorite "Jersey Fresh" fruit dish or drink.

*Kayak Festival and Races Saturday, August 13

*Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Safety in Strathmere Day Sunday, August 14, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

*Local Authors' Night at the Schiavo Library Thursday, August 18

*The games formerly known as the Strathmere Olympics will be held Saturday, August 20

*"Nightmare in Strathmere" Boat Parade, 6:30, Saturday, August 27

*Strathmere Fire Company Benefit BBQ at the Deauville Beach House w/ Bubba Mac Band, Wednesday, August 31, 6 to 10 PM

*Kids' Surf Fishing Tournament, Saturday, September 3, 9:00 am

*SIA Meeting Friday, September 9, 8:00 pm

*Last day of Flounder Season, Sunday, September 25

*Services at the Strathmere United Methodist Church every Sunday to September 25: 9:15 Hymn Sing; 9:30 Service.



Did you make your dues payment yet? Our thanks to everyone who has. Remember, it's just $10 per adult family member, and you can send it to SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.
The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners and many visitors to Strathmere and Whale Beach. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years. The dues and fund raisers provide for, among other things, funding the Fourth of July Parade, and our share of the Christmas Party. If you have adult children or relatives (or visitors) who visit Strathmere, please forward this message to them - perhaps they'd like to be members and receive these e-mail messages also.

You can contact us by responding to this e-mail sia6@comcast.net or by mailing SIA at PO Box 57 in Strathmere.


Thanks to all for your continuing support!
Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

Schiavo Library: August 2011 Newsletter

Schiavo Library: August 2011 Newsletter


Special Summer Programs:
*Wetlands Institute Program “Amazing Sea Creatures”: August 11th 7 – 8:00pm. Join us in the parking lot for this great family program!

*Local Authors Night: August 18th 6:30-8:00pm. All book lovers welcome! Come and discuss books with some really interesting local authors. Light refreshments will be available.


Welcome to a New Assistant:
If you stop in on a Saturday, you’ll meet our new assistant: Melissa Warren. She lives in Sea Isle City with her husband and two children. She’ll help us cover Saturdays and other days of the week during the off-season.



More Popular than ever:
Thank you patrons!! We have even more people than ever using our library this summer!
In June 371 people visited the library (141 additional stopped in for the book sale).
In July we had 639 people use the library – for books, computers, DVDs, children’s programs, newspapers, magazines, etc. We continue to attract new members. Our book and DVD circulation are up substantially – we checked out 251 books and 77 DVDs in July. Our wish is to make this a very welcoming place to visit and the best small library in New Jersey.


Children’s Programs:
If you haven’t yet come for one of our summer children’s programs, you don’t know what you’re missing. Our story time, Craft night with Megan, LEGO club, movie morning and BINGO are tons of fun for the kids. Unfortunately the end of summer will be here soon – so stop in before it’s too late!


Save the date:
Don’t forget that we have another used book sale in September – dates: September 9 – 23 (or later). Lots of donations have been coming in all summer – so there should be something for everyone.



Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Christine Rohrman, Library Director
http://www.strathmerelibrary.org/

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Please be careful swimming on the Point

In the past week there have been 2 serious rescues on the Strathmere side of Corson's Inlet, straight out on the Point. The water where the ocean and the bay meets is very rough, especially when the tide is coming in. The waves are rough and the undertow is very strong, making a choppy whirlpool out there.
There are no lifeguards in this area, so do not swim alone and keep a close watch on children, take them to calmer waters to swim.

http://www.nbc40.net/news/18554/
http://www.nbc40.net/news/18554/video